Baila Baby: Where to Take Dance Classes in Medellín

dance-classes-medellin

TLDR? Dance Free is the best place to take dance classes in Medellin.

One major part of Colombian culture is dance classes and dancing. That’s true regardless of whether you’re dancing bachata, salsa, reggaeton, or something else. 

So, what better thing to do in Medellin than learn to dance? 

With these dance classes in Medellin, you’ll be dancing like a paisa in no time! 

So, are you ready to get started dancing the night away? Let’s take a look at some of the top places to take dance classes in Medellin.

1. Dance Free

Dance Free

Dance Free, like many other salsa academies around Medellin, is conveniently located in the El Poblado neighborhood. In fact, it’s located pretty close to some of Casacol’s Provenza properties.

Now, what’s really special about Dance Free is that it’s way more than a dance school. This is a multi-national academy that provides language exchange opportunities. So, if you’re looking to learn a little Spanish, this is a great way to do so while having fun!

Better yet, the language exchange meetups are completely free! You can join and get together with friends for dancing without having to pay a penny. 

On the other hand, if you’re interested in private classes, that’s an option too. Dance Free doesn’t offer paid group classes (just their free social dances), but they do offer private classes for groups of 1-10 students. 

In terms of what classes are offered, you can learn: 

  • Salsa
  • Bachata
  • Tango
  • Kizomba
  • Merengue
  • Reggaetón
  • Hip Hop
  • Dancehall
  • Cha Cha
  • Fox
  • Bolero
  • Porro
  • Cumbia
  • Shines
  • Styling

That’s not even mentioning the different styles of dance. You can select styles of salsa and bachata depending on what method you want to learn (Cali, Colombian, LA, New Orleans, etc).

Website: https://www.dancefree.com.co/ 

IG: @dancefreeco

Address: Cl 10A #40-27, Medellín, Antioquia

2. Euforia: Escuela de Baile

Euforia: Escuela de Baile

Euforia is another fun dance school. This school is located in the Laureles sector of Medellin, putting it conveniently close to our Factory Lofts building

Euforia offers both private and group lessons. They also let you rent out their rooms if you want to host your own dance event. Or, you can gift classes to people for birthdays and holidays. 

Even though Euforia has group classes, they feel super personalized. The classes operate at a maximum of 12 students, so you get a lot of focused attention while you’re there. 

For me, this is super handy because I have two left feet!

Another major advantage of Euforia is that they offer quite a few different styles of dance. The options available include: 

  • Salsa
  • Bachata
  • Merengue
  • Porro
  • Tango
  • Kizomba
  • Urban 

There really isn’t much left to be desired in terms of variety! And, you can technically purchase on a class-by-class basis so that you can try out all the different styles!

Website: https://escueladebaileeuforia.com/ 

IG: @euforiaescueladebail

Address: Cq. 75 ## 39B 135, Medellín, Antioquia

3. Salsa Classes Medellin

Salsa Classes Medellin

Yes, the name of this school really is called Salsa Classes Medellin. 

This salsa school is at the top of our list because it’s curated for foreigners. What does that mean? 

It means international instructors who tailor their classes to those who are new to the city. They offer classes in both English and Spanish, making it easier than ever to learn salsa if you’re new to the city!

This school does focus almost exclusively on salsa, however, so if you’re wanting to learn other styles of dance you’re out of luck. The dance styles you can learn here include: 

  • Salsa Cali-style
  • ON1 salsa
  • ON2 salsa
  • Bachata

Aside from offering super-focused classes, the school also has various locations. You’ll find them situated in both Laureles and Poblado, so it’s convenient no matter where you’re staying!

Plus, they offer both group and private classes. If you want to really hone in on your skills, just join one of the private classes so that you can wow the crowd during group lessons!

Website: https://salsaclassesmedellin.com/ 

IG: @salsaclassesmedellin

Address: Cra 80 #48b-10, Medellín, Antioquia

4. Academia de Bailes Estilo Cubano

Academia de Bailes Estilo Cubano

Although it might seem strange to go to Colombia and learn Cuban dances, it actually makes sense! Many Latin American countries share similar dance styles such as salsa, bachata, and merengue. 

What you’ll find, however, is that the style is slightly different. In my opinion. Cuban-style salsa tends to be a little sexier. 

The good news is that this school doesn’t just teach Cuban styles. You can also learn other types of dance. 

The group and private classes offered at this school are: 

  • Basic bachata
  • Salsa for beginners
  • Basic porro
  • Basic casino (Cuban style) salsa
  • Basic LA style salsa

Although private classes are offered at higher levels, all the group classes are introductory. That makes them great choices for foreigners who are just dipping their toes into the world of Latin American dance!

You’ll find this dance school located conveniently in the Laureles sector of Medellin. That makes it convenient for guests who are staying in Casacol’s properties throughout the area!

Website: https://estilocubano.co/ 

IG: @estilocubano

Address: Cl. 49b ##67a-19 local 201, Medellín, Antioquia

5. Casa Ritmo Latino

Casa Ritmo Latino

Located conveniently close to Provenza in El Poblado, Casa Ritmo Latino is another great dance school that you should consider visiting. 

This dance school offers a number of different classes, including:

  • Cali-style salsa
  • Porro
  • Kizomba
  • Reggaeton
  • Bachata
  • Cuban salsa
  • LA style salsa
  • Afro
  • Zouk

What’s fun about this school is that they offer a few dance styles that you won’t find in other places. For instance, Zouk, which is a Brazilian style of dance.

The school also dedicates Fridays to social dancing. If you’re already well-versed in Latin dance styles and just want to practice, you can attend these events!

Apart from Fridays, there are other regular dance socials. The socials usually involve a cover fee, but they’re not more than about $15,000 COP. I’d say that’s worth it for a night of dancing!

Classes at Casa Ritmo Latino tend to be semi-private. That means that they’re group classes, but the size is limited so you still get that personalized feel. 

Website: https://casaritmolatino.com/ 

IG: @casaritmolatino 

Address: Cra. 41a ## 10 – 04, Medellín, Antioquia

6. Santo Baile

Santo Baile

Santo Baile is a school that offers just three types of dance: 

  1. Salsa
  2. Bachata
  3. Kizomba

However, they do offer two types of salsa. You can choose between Cali style and ON1 style salsa. 

Despite the limited class offerings, Santo Baile’s instructors are truly top-notch. They only offer private classes, so you’ll have a lot of focused one-on-one attention. 

If you’re wanting to start dancing quickly so that you can get out and enjoy Medellin’s nightlife scene, this is definitely the school I’d recommend. 

Sure, you’ll pay a little more for the classes than you might at a group lesson. However, you’ll also learn the moves much faster. 

Website: https://www.santobaile.com/ 

IG: @santobaile

Address: Calle 6a #29-129 Torre 1 Apto 603 Urbanización Miravalle Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia

7. Sabor y Mas

Sabor y Mas

Sabor y Mas is hosted at one of our favorite spots in town (that even features a super snazzy rooftop bar), Los Patios.

This school focuses mainly on salsa, bachata, kizomba, and reggaeton. They offer almost exclusively private classes, although you can bring a partner and other friends if you like (just prepare to pay for each person). 

Interestingly enough, the classes aren’t actually that much more expensive than group classes at some of the other schools. Plus, you get a discount if you go with a partner!

Another great feature of this dance school is that they organize regular social events. Once you get the hang of dancing you can venture out to dance socials and other events where you can put your skills to work. 

Not only is it a great way to get some dancing in, but it’s a fun way to explore Medellin’s nightclubs and bars.

I only hope you’re ready for a long night; most of Sabor y Mas’s events involve lots of alcohol. 

IG: @saborymasna

Address: Cra. 43E #11-40, Medellín, Antioquia

8. Academia de Baile CheTango

Academia de Baile CheTango

As you can probably guess from the name, Academia de Baile CheTango focuses on offering tango classes. 

Tango is an Argentinian style of dance. Super sexy and ultra-romantic, this is a great style of dance to learn if you’re going out with a partner!

Aside from offering classes in Tango, CheTango also offers yoga and Zumba classes. They’re great for getting fit while having fun! 

CheTango has three types of tango classes for adults as well as a program for kids. For adults, you can choose basic tango, technical tango, or private classes for more advanced levels. 

If you don’t want to just get involved in classes, you can also attend the academy’s monthly social dances. These are great places to put your skills to the test and practice with a partner!

Or, check out some of the events. This school is internationally renowned and hosts several competitions and shows that are fun to watch even if you don’t dance yourself. 

Website: https://www.corporacionchetango.com/ 

IG: @chetango

Address: Cra 46 ##14-13, Medellín, Antioquia

9. Academia Pin Up

Academia Pin Up

Academia Pin Up is one of the more unconventional dance schools on this list, but it’s still worth shouting out. 

Unlike many of the other dance academies, you’ll find scattered around Medellin, Academia Pin Up focuses on twerk and pole dance. You’ll also get a chance to learn the Colombian dance style champeta. 

Champeta is actually the main reason I think Academia Pin Up is worth visiting. It’s a fun dance and one that will have you wanting to put on Shakira and dance in your living room. 

Academia Pin Up offers monthly classes, all of which are in groups. 

You can also participate in regular workshops and events. The workshops are great if you want to try your hand at really honing your skills with a particular type of dance.

If you want more details on twerk and pole dance, we’ve got you covered. Check out our guide on pole dance clubs around Medellin so that you can try these exotic dance styles!

IG: @academiapinup 

Address: Calle 29a – 111, Av. Guayabal #29a95, Medellín, Antioquia

10. Danzaestudio

Danzaestudio

Danzaestudio is another dance school that provides the perfect place for you to start exploring the wonderful world of Latin dance. And, in fact, they give you the chance to make forrays into other styles of dance, too.

The classes offered at Danzaestudio include: 

  • Afro dance
  • Contemporary dance
  • Ballet for adults
  • Ballet for dancers
  • Burlesque dance
  • Street dance
  • Latin dance (a mix of salsa, bachata, and merengue)
  • Jazz
  • Yoga
  • Yoga for men

I love that this dance studio features yoga for men. You can only take this class if you’re a guy, which is a really nice thing for anyone who’s sick of the female-dominated dance and yoga classes. 

You’ll also notice that the majority of the dances offered at this studio are more formal dances. The owners of the academy have a ballet background, which is why you’ll find some of the more Western styles as well as traditional Latin dance. 

Aside from their classes, Danzaestudio offers dance events from time to time. And, they run special programs for pregnant women and elderly adults. 

Website: http://danzaestudio.com/ 

IG: @danzaestudio

Address: Cra 48 ##10-45 piso 9, int. 926, Medellín, Antioquia

11. Solo Ritmos

Solo Ritmos

Solo Ritmos is another Laureles dance studio that’s worth mentioning. Considering the fact that most dance schools are located around Poblado (and Provenza specifically), it’s always nice to find a studio that caters to the other side of town. 

The only real downside to this dance academy is that they don’t offer social events. They’re purely focused on group and private classes. 

Solo Ritmos offers an enormous list of dances. To make sure I’m doing it justice, I’ve broken their classes down into multiple sections

Tropical Styles

Tropical styles are the kinds of dances you’ll typically think of when you think of Latin rhythms. The classes Solo Ritmos offers are: 

  • Porro
  • Merengue
  • Salsa
  • Cumbia
  • Vallenato
  • Bachata
  • Kizomba

Ballroom Styles

If you want less of a party-style dance and are more interested in formal dances, you can check out the ballroom style of dance. Solo Ritmos’ ballroom styles include: 

  • Foxtrot
  • Tango (Milonga and Pasodoble)
  • Vals
  • Bolero

Modern Styles

Now we get into some of the edgier styles of dance. For those who are wanting to learn dances designed for the club (or just for working out), Solo Ritmos offers:

  • Burlesque
  • Twerk
  • Dance Hall
  • Champeta
  • Arabic dance
  • Reggaeton
  • Samba
  • Kizomba

Other Styles

There are a couple of other styles that are offered by Solo Ritmos but that don’t really fit in the above categories. These include: 

  • Country
  • Rock and Roll
  • Mambo
  • Chacha
  • Charleston
  • Flamenco
  • Folk
  • Mambo Boogaloo
  • Son Cubano

Salsa

Despite the countless types of dance offered at Solo Ritmos, the school’s real crown jewel classes are their salsa classes. This academy offers the following salsa styles: 

  • Cali-style 
  • LA style
  • Choke
  • Cuban style

No matter what type of salsa has got you intrigued, you’ll be able to find it at Solo Ritmos.

IG: @soloritmos 

Address: Sector Laureles, Cl. 35 ## 81-37 Segundo Piso, Medellín, Antioquia 

Get Started With Dance Classes in Medellin

If you really want to get into the culture of Medellin, you’ve got to go dancing at least once. So, why not prepare yourself with some classes?

Better yet, why not learn traditional dance styles such as salsa and porro? With this guide to the best dance classes in Medellin, you’ll have no problem tripping the light fantastic around town. 

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